Hulkenberg: Force India wants to remain in third

Nico Hulkenberg says that Force India is determined to remain in third place in the constructors' championship as Formula 1 returns to Europe this weekend.

Hulkenberg, who has enjoyed a promising start to 2014, is adamant that Force India remains hungry to build on their good form at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix.

"I’ve enjoyed the first part of the year," he said. "It’s probably gone better than we were expecting after winter testing and it’s good to keep picking up the points. I’m fourth with 36 points and I think that’s a big achievement. The car has worked well everywhere and we’ve made the most of the opportunities. Consistency is surely one of our strengths at the moment.

"I think this team has always been hungry and that’s still very much the case.

"We’re up in third in the championship and we want to stay there. The hard work over the winter is paying off, but we know that Formula One is always a development race and things can change from one weekend to the next. So we need to keep working hard to maintain our good position."

Hulkenberg reckons that the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya should play to the strengths of the VJM07.

"Even though we know the place inside out, it remains a tough, tricky circuit and one of those places where it’s especially important to optimise the car balance," he said.

"If you don’t feel totally comfortable with the car it really hurts your laptime. Barcelona is the true test for downforce because of the quick corners in the first and second sectors. Traction is also important in the final part of the lap with the low-speed corners and we should be strong there."